Tonight: Justin Townes Earle at the Bluebird

There are too many easy, exterior angles to come at Justin Townes Earle's work: He's the son of Steve Earle, he was named after Townes Van Zandt, and he struggled with a serious drug addiction early in his life. There is truth in that history, which has undoubtedly contributed to his dark sound and songwriting. But experiences aside, Justin Townes Earle is a modern composer of Americana, a deep and solemn voice sharing verses that could have been written 75 years ago.

Born in Nashville and now a New York resident, Earle has a diverse appeal that has taken him from the Grande Ole Opry to Bonnaroo and South by Southwest for performances. On tour with his latest record, 2010's Harlem River Blues, Justin Townes Earle plays the Bluebird tonight with Dawn Landes. This show is sixteen-and-up and tickets are $14-16. Doors open at 6 p.m., concert starts at 7 p.m.

Bree Davies is a writer, reporter and radio host born and raised in the Queen City of the Plains. An active member of the music community, she is the co-founder of Titwrench experimental music festival and co-host of Welcome to Rock Island, a podcast focused on the art and industry of music. Davies contributes regularly to Westword and has written for The A.V. Club, xoJane, Alternative Press and more about music, art, feminism, DIY culture and social justice issues. Follow Bree on Twitter.